Italian Phrase
Devi cambiare a Union Station.
Meaning
You have to change trains at Union Station. The sentence is used to give a clear instruction that a transfer is required at that specific hub.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are guiding someone through a public‑transport itinerary, especially in an English‑speaking city where the main hub is called Union Station. It works both in spoken conversation and in written directions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DevicambiareaUnionStation.
Devi (dovere)
Second‑person singular present of the modal verb *dovere*, used to express obligation or necessity.
cambiare (infinitive)
Infinitive verb meaning “to change/transfer”. In transport contexts it refers to changing trains or lines.
a (preposition)
Preposition used to indicate the place where the action takes place; here it marks the station where the transfer occurs.
Union Station (proper noun)
The name of a major train hub; kept in its original English form because it is a recognized place name.
🗨In Conversation
Scusa, come posso arrivare al centro città?
Excuse me, how can I get to downtown?
Devi cambiare a Union Station.
You have to change at Union Station.
✕Common Mistakes
Devi cambiare in Union Station.
The preposition *in* is used for being inside a place, not for the point where you transfer.
Devo cambiare a Union Station.
Using *devo* (first person) changes the subject; the instruction should address the listener.
Devi cambiare a la Union Station.
Italian does not use the article *la* before foreign proper nouns.
↔Alternatives
Devi fare il cambio a Union Station.
You have to make the transfer at Union Station.
È necessario cambiare treno a Union Station.
It is necessary to change trains at Union Station.
A Union Station devi cambiare treno.
At Union Station you need to change trains.
Cultural Tip
In many North‑American and European cities, "Union Station" is the central railway terminal, so locals will instantly recognize the name. When speaking Italian, keep the English name unchanged, but use Italian verbs like *cambiare* or the colloquial *fare il cambio* to sound natural. Remember that *cambiare* can also mean “to change clothes”, so the transport context is essential for clarity.